No spoilers here

How the book would end has been the subject of months of internet speculation. Theories ranged from 'will Harry die?' to 'will Harry not die?', but no one expected the shock ending that sees Harry abandoning quidditch for football and adopting a playboy lifestyle.

Children around the world are set to be disappointed by Rowling's unusual conclusion when they turn the last page. One fan, Pete Clifton, a single 42-year-old insurance salesman who still lives with his mum, said "I'm gutted. I grew up with Harry. For him to give up magic to play football is devastating."

Spoiler here!

The Potter books are popular with children and should-know-better adults because Rowling's rich and imaginative universe gives them a sense of belonging and knowledge they never got at school because they were probably always picked last for football.

No spoiler here

The Onion Bag's Larry Gak asked JK Rowling why Harry opted for West Ham. "Well, he hasn't actually signed for them. I still own him. He's being leased to them on a complicated buy-back, non-contract, third-party ownership, swipe-as-you-play Oyster-card scheme. It means West Ham will be able to lever Harry's global appeal for marketing purposes and I don't have to get a million emails a day from kids asking me where Harry is."

But despite the end to the much-loved series, Rowling has not ruled out an eighth book. "I never say never. And Harry's career on the wing in the Premiership could be a winner. I've even got a title: Harry Potter and the Offside Trap."